“Life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Inspirational Woman Of The Day
May 10, 2012 by 4 Comments
Rebecca Lolosoli
Kenya
Disturbed by abuse that rendered women voiceless and often ostracized — rape, female circumcision, forced marriage — Lolosoli wasn’t afraid to speak out. But when she visited village meetings to promote women’s rights, she was beaten for her audacity. In 1990, Lolosoli and 16 other women formed the Umoja Uaso Women’s Organization and created a refuge for female victims of abuse. Powered by the sales of their jewelry and crafts, the Umoja women have established a community center and a school.
Women In The News
May 10, 2012 by 3 Comments
First Posted: 05/09/2012 3:30 pm
Investors Less Likely to Back Women-Led Ventures
Businesses trying to raise money by going public may have a tough time finding investors if a woman is at the helm, a new study shows.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that despite identical personal qualifications and firm financials, female founders and CEOs were perceived as less capable than their male counterparts. In turn, the initial public offerings for companies led by those women were considered less attractive investments.
“Bias against top-level female executives seems entrenched despite strides women have made in filling management positions within firms making their initial public offerings,” said Lyda Bigelow, assistant professor at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business.
The study surveyed more than 200 second-year MBAstudents on their opinions of fictitious companies, some of which were led by men and some by women. The results point out an apparent reluctance to invest in IPOs spearheaded by women even though nearly half of all privately held businesses in the United States today are owned, or led by, women.
The researchers said the lack of female-led IPOs suggests a potentially larger problem: a gender-based capital gap for new ventures.
Similar to the glass ceiling of corporate America that limited the advancement of numerous female executives, women entrepreneurs face a “green ceiling” when it comes to financing, according to the study.
“If companies led by females are disadvantaged in their ability to raise cash through the stock market, it can impact the viability and financial health of their companies, their ability to expand and compete in an increasingly global and competitive environment, and, if they are unable to remain viable, their employees’ livelihoods,” the researchers wrote.
The study, “Skirting the Issues: Evidence of Gender Bias in IPO Prospectus Evaluations,” has been accepted for publication in a future edition of the Journal of Management. It was co-authored by Robert Wuebker, a postdoctoral fellow at the David Eccles School; Leif Lundmark, a doctoral candidate at the David Eccles School; and Judi McLean Parks, a professor of organizational behavior at Washington University’s Olin Business School.
Chad Brooks is a Chicago-based freelance business and technology writer who has worked in public relations and spent 10 years as a newspaper reporter. You can reach him at chadgbrooks@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @cbrooks76.
Inspiration Of Motherhood
May 10, 2012 by 7 Comments
By Rochelle Dean
Story Created: Apr 11, 2012
Local moms Help Keep Preemies Alive
(WOLO) Columbia,S.C., –They’re called Milk Banks and more and more women are beginning to donate to them in an effort to help save the lives of premature babies.
Officials say South Carolina has one of the largest premature birth rates in the nation and out of the 9,500 that are born each year, many of them need nutrients only breast milk can supply.
Dr. Victor Iskersky with the Palmetto Children’s Hospital says breast nutrient packed milk can help protect some of our areas smallest, most vulnerable residents from a multitude of complications that can be fatal.
Donor Moms like Kristin Bonnavilla, who produces more milk than her baby needs, says it doesn’t make sense to throw away something that could help save the lives of these premature babies.
Organizations like Helping Hands Milk bank and the Milk for Wishes will mail all of the supplies you need to your door. All you have to do is pump, freeze and send.
To find out more or to donate go to:
http://www.milkforwishes.com
LadyRomp 